"I want to call for a parcel there," she explained. "As it happens, I have an errand I can do there too," agreed Mr. Vicary. "It won't take above five minutes or so longer, I daresay." "That's all right then. By the by, Miss Colville won't be with us to-day. Miss Williams is motoring her home." "Yes; I saw them set off." Fay took care that Lizzie Colville sat at the back of the car that afternoon and not in front with Mr. Vicary. She stifled her objections when they turned off in the direction of Brendon. "I tell you Mr. Vicary has to go on an errand and so have I, so just shut up! Nan? If she chooses to wait at the cross-roads it's her own fault. She should have come with us." The 'sardine-tin' entered Chagmouth that afternoon from the direction of Brendon, and Nan, after sitting a long time by the roadside expecting its appearance, gave it up and walked the rest of the way home, very annoyed at the trick that had been played her. "You shouldn't have let them, Lizzie!" she scolded. "How could I help it? Fay wouldn't let me speak, and Mr. Vicary just flew on to Brendon. Why didn't Babbie take you into Chagmouth?" "She never even suggested it. I don't know which is the meaner, she or Fay!" grumbled Nan. On the Fourth of July, Fay went to school determined to have what she termed 'a real good time,' and to celebrate appropriately the great anniversary of American independence. She armed herself with her national flag and a box of sugared popcorns, a delicacy which was unknown at Durracombe shops, and had been specially sent for from London. As she passed these round generously, the 'sardines' fell in with her mood and vowed to stand by her at school, and help to celebrate the honour and glory of the Stars and Stripes. "I didn't make much fuss of my own birthday, but I'm wrought up over this!" declared Fay. "It's a shame there isn't a public holiday. I'd like to fire a cannon. Couldn't get any crackers at those wretched shops in Chagmouth either." "D'you want crackers?" "Rather!" "They had a lot of fireworks last November at Hodges' in Durracombe. Perhaps they'd have some left." "Oh, good bizz! We'll stop in the High Street and see, before we go into school."